Coffee, and Brunching are some of my joys in life! Australia, and particularly Melbourne, does an amazing job of the Coffee & Brunch Culture. It was something we really missed on moving to Surrey, England. But fear not-it does still exist, it just takes a little more searching out. here are ten of my favourite local spots for Coffee & Brunch, I would love to hear yours!

Nikkis, Weybridge

You can be sure of a friendly welcome, and a great Coffee at Nikkis. They are a Weybridge institution, and we were thrilled to discover them on moving to our new home in Surrey. Nikkis offer a varied menu, with a range of options. Their smoke salmon bagel, or brioche-bun sausage sandwich are up their as our family favourites. And arguably one of the best Coffees around.

The Hot House, Cobham

Set in the simply stunning Medicine Gardens, amongst stunning brick work, artisan boutiques, and beautiful plants, the Hot House is fantastic find. One of two Cafes on site, it is built in and around a Victorian hot house, this cafe offers an imaginative menu, served throughout the day. They also have Chickens out the front which, if you have a toddler, will keep them enthralled for hours!

Waters Edge, Chobham

Not to be confused with Cobham, Chobam is in fact close to Woking. You’ll struggle to find a more stunning setting than at Waters Edge. Set amongst farm land, with a newly constructed board walk (suitable for scooters and pushchairs), it is a hidden gem. We love walking our dogs and then settling down for a hearty feast. They’re very dog and child friendly, with plenty of toys and colouring in. Their range of handmade baked goods is incredibly tempting and their menu extensive.

Brontes, Cobham

With stylish decor and a range of healthy options, you could almost believe you’ve been transported to a Melbourne laneway when you walk into Brontes’. I love going for a walk in Painshill Park, and then heading here for a flat white and avo on toast.

Thyme by the River, Molsey

Based at Molsey Cricket Club, set in Surrey’s Hurst Meadows, with stunning River frontage, and a popular walking a cycling Thames path at the front, it’s easy to see the appeal of Thyme on the River purely based on location. Another Dog friendly option (which will always win points in this household), they even have complimentary doggy treats at the counter. Their menu offers a wide range of meals, snacks, and even afternoon tea. I love that they have healthy treats for kids obviously on display, like Watermelon slices, and a fruit bowl at the counter. You will have to try and navigate them past the incredible sweet treats on offer though!

Henry’s Kitchen, Hampton Court

Next to Hampton Court Bridge, Henry’s Kitchen is a great place to grab a delicious Brekkie before heading off to explore the Palace, or the gorgeous Antique shops of Bridge Street. Their menu is modern, vibrant, seasonal and sustainable sourced; not your standard Morning fare. And their sweet potato fries are excellent.

Aromas, Weybridge

New kids on the Brunching block, Aromas has recently opened. It’s interiors are stunning, and it’s worth a visit purely to check them out up close and pick up some styling tips. The staff are warm and friendly, and in addition to their menu, they offer an extensive salad bar, which is imaginative, fresh and delicious.

Cafe Mila, Godalming

With a gorgeous Cafe downstairs, and Yoga Studios upstairs, Cafe Mila could be the most relaxing Brunch experience possible! Their Classes are excellent, especially the tots and family Yoga. They offer a wide range of foods, and delicious Coffee-just be sure to check the timetable before you go to ensure you can catch a class while you’re there!

The Juice Smith, Cobham

Cobham certainly has the monopoly when it comes to Surrey’s cool Cafes! The Juice Smith, home to their original cold pressed juices, is a plant based cafe which could easily fit in in Bondi. Their skinny protein waffles are incredible, and their raw Bounty bar (which you can most certainly buy in bulk to take away!) is too good.

Roost, Bagshot

Roost, is Surrey’s first Paleo Cafe. Having eaten at several back in Oz, I know I can expect, whole, unprocessed and fresh food. Roost does not disappoint. Offering a menu free from grain, gluten and dairy, it certainly isn’t lacking in variety or flavour. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy the excellent food at this cute little spot.

I haven’t spent any time in Dorset since childhood holidays in Boscombe. We popped down for a flying visit to see intrepid bebe’s fairy godmother, who has a holiday flat there.
Beautiful Bridport is a Dorset coastal town of around 13,000. It’s only a little over two hours from London (dependent on the M3).

The town is beautiful, it took forever to walk down the main street because there were so many lovely buildings, eye catching shop fronts, and brightly painted front doors. Not to mention the pop up market stalls scattered along the pavement. Fortunately when you’re walking at ‘toddler with backpack’ pace, it’s not exactly speedy. Unfortunately, three pairs of eyes are required to stop said toddler from roaming into the bakery, or climbing into an antique suitcase. You many know I love doors! And this town has beautiful doorways aplenty!

One of the things which strikes me in England, compared to Australia is the prevalence of chains. be that cafes, restaurants or shops. i appreciate set up costs, and rents are so large, especially close to London, it must be very difficult for new business’ to get a start. So it was lovely to walk down a high street which still boats and independent butcher, bakery, florist and multiple cafes, bars and restaurants.

Coffee is a bit of an obsession in our family, so I had already asked around for where was the best place to head. We had breakfast at the lovely Soulshine Cafe. A great spot with amble toys, in their clever converted under stair space, to keep IB happy. They also have a lovely outdoor area and spacious changing area.

Oh the food? Isn’t it funny how once you become a parent the food features quite far down the list when selecting where to eat! Power to the parents who say, sod it, I’m going fine dining with my kids and don’t care what anyone thinks. Or perhaps they have those mythical babes who sit content lay colouring? But for me, IB having space to roam, and the staff being warm (rather than eye rolly) ranks pretty highly. Fortunately Soulshine have big ticks for both.

Then we headed towards West Bay. The striking Jurassic Coastal Cliffs create a beautiful backdrops for a beach walk.

The outdoor play area is fabulous for for kids of a broad age range. One of the best I’ve seen.

Seeing as the sun was out, we headed to Baboo Gelato, for salted caramel ice lollies, and a generous scoop of mint chop chip. we like to make sugar a treat, and this was well worth it.

We also stopped for a lunch at West Bay Cafe

It was a shame we weren’t staying longer, there were so many lovely spots to explore, such as:

The Venner Cocktail bar at Bull Hotel was unfortunately closed for a function on the Saturday night. But their boutique hotel and restaurant look so lovely, we may have to stay there next time we are in town.

On our way home we stopped for lunch at the Ilchester Arms in Abbotsbury. A stunning little town, and an excellent pub. Seeing the sign on the way in welcoming ‘dogs, kids, and muddy boots’, and the friendly service and delicious food made this the perfect choice.